[1]The Consort is Both Charming and Scheming, Rising Through Palace Intrigue

Chapter 84: Zhao Jieyu

The discussion about her staying overnight in the Emperor's quarters quickly died down, overshadowed by the drama surrounding Lü Rui.

Just then, the subject of their gossip arrived. Ning Shuyan looked up and saw Lü Rui, still wearing the same green dress from the day before, her cheeks swollen with visible handprints and bruises beneath her eyes—a pitiful sight.

Lü Rui stepped forward quickly and gave a formal, respectful bow. "Greetings to all the noble ladies and elder sisters."

Zhaorong Lin chuckled, "As expected of a former palace maid—your etiquette is quite good."

But no one invited her to rise. Even Consort Rong pretended not to see her. It wasn't until Zhaoyi Ying spoke gently, "You may rise," that she was acknowledged.

After a pause, she added, "Your face looks injured—what happened?"

Lü Rui quickly covered her cheek and lowered her voice. "I... I hurt myself accidentally."

Consort Rong scoffed. She had known Consort Zhuang for nearly seven years and could tell this was definitely her handiwork. Yi He Palace was her pride, and now she had to house a woman elevated from maid status—no wonder she was furious.

Everyone saw the truth but chose not to speak it aloud. It wasn't until the Empress arrived that they rose to greet her.

The Empress glanced at Lü Rui first and, like Zhaoyi Ying, offered a few courteous words. Seeing the disdain in everyone's eyes, her gentle expression grew serious. "No matter her past, the Emperor has named Lü Rui a Court Lady. From now on, she is one of your sisters."

Then she turned to Ning Shuyan. "The Emperor sent word this morning—he's elevating you to Jieyu with the title 'Zhao'. Double blessings indeed."

If Lü Rui's sudden promotion had shocked everyone, Ning Shuyan's rise to Jieyu sparked envy.

She had only been in the palace for a year and had already been promoted twice—this was extremely rare. The Emperor was known to be stingy with ranks. Some senior consorts hadn't advanced in over three years.

Consort Rong's eyes burned coldly as they landed on Ning Shuyan, and though Ning didn't look up, she could feel that not just Consort Rong was staring daggers at her.

Jieyu Xi masked her surprise quickly and offered a calm congratulations. "Congratulations, Zhao Jieyu." Her face remained unreadable.

Zhaoyi Ying smiled as well. "The title Zhao is a lovely choice. Clearly, the Emperor treasures you. Congratulations, Sister."

The rest of the consorts forced out their own half-hearted congratulations. Ning Shuyan responded with a soft, gracious smile.

Meanwhile, Lü Rui stood to the side like a clown abandoned in the corner, her disheveled appearance painfully out of place.

By the time Consort Zhuang arrived, the group had been chatting for quite a while. As always, she was dressed in exquisite, dazzling finery—but her face showed obvious fatigue.

The first thing she asked after sitting was, "I heard Beauty Ning spent the night at Zhaochan Hall? Why didn't you bring your palace maid to greet us as well?" Her seductive phoenix eyes glinted with cold malice.

Ning Shuyan's serene smile was like a mist floating on her face—cool and detached. "You're mistaken, Your Ladyship. Lü Rui is now His Majesty's Court Lady. You are the mistress of Yi He Palace, so from now on, we hope you will take good care of her."

Consort Zhuang's fury flared as she looked at Ning's calm expression. She was now certain that Ning had suggested to the Emperor to place Lü Rui in her palace as a form of retaliation.

She inhaled sharply. "You're very generous. If you miss Court Lady Lü, I can send her back to your palace."

Ning Shuyan smiled softly and said, "I would love that, but for some reason, Court Lady Lü is very fond of you, so His Majesty granted her wish. In fact, it's quite nice—you'll have some company now, Your Ladyship."

Since the Emperor had promised to protect her, Ning Shuyan would no longer be the one to stir trouble—but she wasn't going to endure humiliation either.

The fury in Consort Zhuang's eyes burned hotter, her gaze turning icy.

Consort Rong smirked and said, "Looks like Consort Zhuang didn't know—she's no longer just Beauty Ning, she's now Zhao Jieyu."

Consort Zhuang's hand slipped on the table, knocking over the tea lid with a loud clang. She turned toward Consort Rong, stunned.

"Is that true?"

Consort Rong took pleasure in her reaction. Her mood suddenly lifted.

The Empress nodded with a smile. "Indeed. The Emperor personally granted the promotion this morning—Zhao Jieyu, with the title Zhao."

Consort Zhuang's hand, hidden within her sleeve, clenched into a tight fist. Her face turned deathly pale.